www.spiritvesselsstudio.com
[email protected]
As a child I was fortunate that several members of my family were artists. They afforded me an environment which included the space to imagine and create on many levels. For all of them, I am grateful. As an adult I'm always involved in the creative process at my chosen profession and for that I am also grateful.
In 1992, my friend, Nancy Pendleton Brown invited me to a gourd art workshop. Knowing me as an artist and understanding how important to me my Native American ways are to me, Nancy felt that I would enjoy learning this new craft. For that, I am truly grateful to Nancy. At once while working with the Gourd People I was brought to a spark of life that I never before experienced. For the first time ever I felt comfortable in my own skin. As a mixed blood Native I was never as dark as the others and often was questioned as to just how much "Indian" I am. Finally, all of that tension melted away and I knew exactly what I should be doing with my art from that point forward.
In 1992, my friend, Nancy Pendleton Brown invited me to a gourd art workshop. Knowing me as an artist and understanding how important to me my Native American ways are to me, Nancy felt that I would enjoy learning this new craft. For that, I am truly grateful to Nancy. At once while working with the Gourd People I was brought to a spark of life that I never before experienced. For the first time ever I felt comfortable in my own skin. As a mixed blood Native I was never as dark as the others and often was questioned as to just how much "Indian" I am. Finally, all of that tension melted away and I knew exactly what I should be doing with my art from that point forward.
In 1997 I began studying the traditional ways and language of my Potawatomi Ancestors from my Uncle through the help of my Mother. Words can never express how this has influenced my life or my artwork and grateful is not a big enough explanation. In my language I say, kche migwech (big thank you), to both my Uncle and my Mother for this ongoing blessing.
The Gourd people offer me many lessons and blessings. The fine art of gourd as my canvas has brought me to a place where true Spirituality is a major part of my life. The offerings that you see here have all been part of my life, part of my heart and part of my soul. I hope that you will enjoy visiting them as much as I enjoyed working with them. Give a listen; they do speak to the people on occasion. You see, the people were asking me, "Do you make the gourds?" I realized that the true answer was, "Creator make the Gourd People and I get to dress them up!" Hence, Spirit Vessels Studio came into being. Creator put the Spirit in all things and all things are sacred, therefore, the Gourd People are indeed Spirit Vessels. I have been told by people who collect my work that there is a good feeling they get by having them around, and for that I am once again, truly grateful. My work is intended to be uplifting, educational and inspiring.
Thank you for being.
Nadiya Littlewarrior
The Gourd people offer me many lessons and blessings. The fine art of gourd as my canvas has brought me to a place where true Spirituality is a major part of my life. The offerings that you see here have all been part of my life, part of my heart and part of my soul. I hope that you will enjoy visiting them as much as I enjoyed working with them. Give a listen; they do speak to the people on occasion. You see, the people were asking me, "Do you make the gourds?" I realized that the true answer was, "Creator make the Gourd People and I get to dress them up!" Hence, Spirit Vessels Studio came into being. Creator put the Spirit in all things and all things are sacred, therefore, the Gourd People are indeed Spirit Vessels. I have been told by people who collect my work that there is a good feeling they get by having them around, and for that I am once again, truly grateful. My work is intended to be uplifting, educational and inspiring.
Thank you for being.
Nadiya Littlewarrior
Nadiya has also been a guest speaker at NASA on two occasions, the Autry National Center, Southwest Museum, Antelope Valley University, Santa Clarita Artist Association and the Daughters of the Indian Wars, Pasadena Chapter.
Her husband, John Davis inspired the name of her company, SPIRIT VESSELS STUDIO, reminding her that the best way to come up with a name would be to dream on it, as her ancestors did. Nadiya says, “They are Spirit Vessels to me because The Creator makes the Gourd People and puts their spirit in them and I get to dress them with regalia.” Spirit Vessels was dreamed into being in 1993. With a history in art and a distinctively Potawatomi /Cherokee heritage, Nadiya Littlewarrior is one of today’s most dedicated artist’s of contemporary Native American Art. Her collectors span the world from China to Spain and include such people as Dr. Joyce Brothers, screenwriter Lisa Atkinson, actress Jennifer Tilly and actors Dennis Haysbert & Troy Evans.
Her husband, John Davis inspired the name of her company, SPIRIT VESSELS STUDIO, reminding her that the best way to come up with a name would be to dream on it, as her ancestors did. Nadiya says, “They are Spirit Vessels to me because The Creator makes the Gourd People and puts their spirit in them and I get to dress them with regalia.” Spirit Vessels was dreamed into being in 1993. With a history in art and a distinctively Potawatomi /Cherokee heritage, Nadiya Littlewarrior is one of today’s most dedicated artist’s of contemporary Native American Art. Her collectors span the world from China to Spain and include such people as Dr. Joyce Brothers, screenwriter Lisa Atkinson, actress Jennifer Tilly and actors Dennis Haysbert & Troy Evans.
Artist Grants & Awards:
LA Treasures Program Awarded by the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department and The Los Angeles Folk Art Museum: 2004 Grant awarded to teach & have a one woman show.
LA Treasures Program Awarded by the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department and The
California Traditional Music & Arts Society: 2005 Grant awarded to teach and hold special events.
2008 Grant awarded to teach spring classes at UAII's Central High School and prepare them for Annual Autry National Center Art Exhibit. Curator for Title VII Student exhibit.
2009 & 2010 Grant awarded to teach at risk children in the Phoenix House of Los Angeles that houses at risk teenagers.
NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center HONOR for Arts & Leadership in American Indian Community November 12, 2015.
1st Place 1997 Citizen Potawatomi Regional Art Competition
2nd Place 1997 Citizen Potawatomi National Art Competition
3rd Place 1998 Citizen Potawatomi Regional Art Competition
1st Place 2002 Citizen Potawatomi Regional Art Competition
3rd Place 2004 Citizen Potawatomi Regional Art Competition
2nd Place 2005 Citizen Potawatomi Regional Art Competition
1st Place 2006 Citizen Potawatomi Regional Art Competition
1st Place 2007 Citizen Potawatomi Regional Art Competition
2nd Place 2007 Citizen Potawatomi National Art Competition
1st Place 2009 Citizen Potawatomi Regional Art Competition
Institute for American Indian Arts Museum,IAIA Santa Fe, New Mexico "Relations" Digital Exhibit July 8th-August 30th,2006
Digital enhancement;gourd art photo entitled:"Tears for the Old Ones"
All Roads Art Market, National Geoographic Film Festival, 2005 in cooperations with Native Voice at the Autry National Center.
Haramokngna American Indian Culture Center and Museum 2005
Exhibiting Artist, World Festival of Sacred Music Flute Circle,LA,CA
Satwiwa Native American Culture Center & Museum Guest Host Artist: 1993 to Present
Bi-annual Guest Host Art Show & Sale: 1997 to present
Quarterly private show: March April May 2002
NPS owns and rotates seven original art pieces with video interview.
Artist in Residence:
Southwest Museum, Los Angeles, CA 2003 and 2005
Autry National Center, Los Angeles, CA. Curator:2000-2015 Student Art Show Autry Museum Indian Ed, LAUSD, Title VII 2006 to present
Satwiwa Native American Culture Center & Museum, NPS
Haramokngna American Indian Cultural Center Guest Host Artist 1999 to 2013
Member: NESHKINUKAT: California Native Artist’s Network
Curator:2000-2015 Student Art Show Autry Museum
Indian Education Board & LA Unified School District,Title VII
LA Treasures Program Awarded by the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department and The Los Angeles Folk Art Museum: 2004 Grant awarded to teach & have a one woman show.
LA Treasures Program Awarded by the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department and The
California Traditional Music & Arts Society: 2005 Grant awarded to teach and hold special events.
2008 Grant awarded to teach spring classes at UAII's Central High School and prepare them for Annual Autry National Center Art Exhibit. Curator for Title VII Student exhibit.
2009 & 2010 Grant awarded to teach at risk children in the Phoenix House of Los Angeles that houses at risk teenagers.
NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center HONOR for Arts & Leadership in American Indian Community November 12, 2015.
1st Place 1997 Citizen Potawatomi Regional Art Competition
2nd Place 1997 Citizen Potawatomi National Art Competition
3rd Place 1998 Citizen Potawatomi Regional Art Competition
1st Place 2002 Citizen Potawatomi Regional Art Competition
3rd Place 2004 Citizen Potawatomi Regional Art Competition
2nd Place 2005 Citizen Potawatomi Regional Art Competition
1st Place 2006 Citizen Potawatomi Regional Art Competition
1st Place 2007 Citizen Potawatomi Regional Art Competition
2nd Place 2007 Citizen Potawatomi National Art Competition
1st Place 2009 Citizen Potawatomi Regional Art Competition
Institute for American Indian Arts Museum,IAIA Santa Fe, New Mexico "Relations" Digital Exhibit July 8th-August 30th,2006
Digital enhancement;gourd art photo entitled:"Tears for the Old Ones"
All Roads Art Market, National Geoographic Film Festival, 2005 in cooperations with Native Voice at the Autry National Center.
Haramokngna American Indian Culture Center and Museum 2005
Exhibiting Artist, World Festival of Sacred Music Flute Circle,LA,CA
Satwiwa Native American Culture Center & Museum Guest Host Artist: 1993 to Present
Bi-annual Guest Host Art Show & Sale: 1997 to present
Quarterly private show: March April May 2002
NPS owns and rotates seven original art pieces with video interview.
Artist in Residence:
Southwest Museum, Los Angeles, CA 2003 and 2005
Autry National Center, Los Angeles, CA. Curator:2000-2015 Student Art Show Autry Museum Indian Ed, LAUSD, Title VII 2006 to present
Satwiwa Native American Culture Center & Museum, NPS
Haramokngna American Indian Cultural Center Guest Host Artist 1999 to 2013
Member: NESHKINUKAT: California Native Artist’s Network
Curator:2000-2015 Student Art Show Autry Museum
Indian Education Board & LA Unified School District,Title VII